Galapagos Encounters - 7 days

Boasting an incredible array of endemic species from the blue-footed booby to the marine iguana, the Galapagos Islands are a true nature lovers’ paradise. Get up close and personal with the resident wildlife on an unforgettable 5 day cruise of these famed islands.

Quito - Galapagos. This morning, you'll be collected from your hotel and transferred to the airport for the short flight to Baltra Airport in the Galapagos, where our guide will be waiting for you. Transfer to the M/C Anahi catamaran, your home for the next 5 days. Settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch onboard before your tour of the Galapagos Islands begins.

Our first port of call is Santa Cruz, the second largest of the Galapagos Islands, offering a great introduction to the archipelago’s landscape, flora and fauna. Here we will pay a visit to Bachas Beach – a favourite nesting site for sea turtles. Made up of two white sand beaches separated by outcropping lava rocks, Baches is certainly a sight to behold with spectacular white sand and crystal clear waters. Behind one of the beaches is a small lagoon where we may be lucky enough to see flamingos and other costal birds, such as black-necked stilts and whimbrels.
Overnight: Galapagos Islands - M/C Anahi | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3

Genovesa Island

Today we will explore Genovesa, a horse-shoe shaped island in the northern reaches of the Galapagos Islands. We will start the day with a visit to Darwin Bay, an incredible geological structure formed by a collapsed volcanic caldera. Following a trail of coral sand and slabs of lava, we’ll go in search of bird-life, from nesting colonies of the common frigate and the Nasca booby to the swallow-tailed gulls. We will also have the chance to see nest of the red-footed booby, which is the largest nesting colony of pelagic birds in the Galapagos.

Later in the afternoon we will follow the El Barranco trail, situated in the southern part of Darwin Bay, walking 1.5 kilometres along volcanic rock. The natural erosion that has occurred in these lava flows has become the ideal place for nesting Storm Petrels, which we will be able to see nesting in the cavities and holes in the lava. During the panga (dingy) rides along the cliffs fur seals can also be seen.
Overnight: Galapagos Islands - M/C Anahi | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4

South Plazas & Santa Fe

This morning's excursion takes us to South Plaza, a small island off the eastern coast of Santa Cruz. Despite its size, this island is home to an incredible number of species including around 1000 sea lions and several hybrid iguanas. The result of crossing a male marine iguana and a female land iguana, these iguanas are unique and easily recognizable at first glance by their black or gray colour, with a land iguana's crest, but face and tail of the marine iguana.

Next stop is Santa Fe, also off the coast of Santa Cruz, where we will meet even more unique species of iguana. The archipelago is also home to six endemic species of rats, one of which can be found on Santa Fe and another attraction is the presence of giant tunas.
Overnight: Galapagos Islands - M/C Anahi | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5

San Cristobal Island

Our next port of call is San Cristobal, one of the easternmost of the Galapagos Islands. We will start the morning by exploring Punta Pitt, situated at the eastern end of the island. Here we will follow a trail that will take us past an olvine beach before ascending to the top of a volcanic tuff hill passing several picturesque viewpoints en route. This is the only place in the Galapagos Islands, where you can see the three species of boobies and two species of frigates nesting in the same area. You may also get to see colonies of sea lion relaxing on the beach or rocky outcrops.

After lunch we stop to see the Leon Dormido Rocks, the remains of a lava cone eroded by the sea. Rising some 500 feet out of the ocean, these two vertical rocks form a small channel that is navigable by small boats. Many tropic birds, frigates and boobies can be seen in the area, making it a favourite stop off for visitors. Beneath the sea the nearly crystal-clear waters offer a brilliant show of colourful tropical fish and invertebrates.

We continue on to explore Lobos Island which is home to a small population of blue-footed boobies, as well as two species of sea lions. From your panga you can try to spot brown pelicans and several species of shorebirds, and if you opt to snorkel it's common to see young sea lions, manta rays and sea turtles.
Overnight: Galapagos Islands - M/C Anahi | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6

Galapagos Tortoise Breeding Centre

We will start today with a visit to the Galapagos Tortoise Breeding Centre located in the southeast of San Cristobal Island. The natural population of tortoises from San Cristobal is seriously threatened by introduced animals (mainly wild goats, rats and cats), which to date has been impossible to eradicate despite continuing efforts. The San Cristobal tortoises are one of the 11 populations of Galapagos tortoises. At the visitors centre, we learn all about the natural history of the giant tortoises of this island.

After visiting the breeding centre, transfer back to the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno where our bus will be waiting to transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Quito. Upon arrival at Quito airport you'll be met and transferred back to your hotel in Quito for your final night at leisure.
Overnight: Quito | Breakfast

Wednesday. Arrangements end after breakfast and hotel check out today. Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Prices are per person based upon two people sharing a twin/double cabin. Upgrades to a suite are subject to availability. If you are a solo traveller, the single supplement applies, giving you the privacy of your own cabin and hotel room.

Life can be unpredictable and we understand that sometimes it’s necessary to change or delay your travel plans. With our LIFETIME DEPOSIT guarantee, you can book our Signature tours safe in the knowledge that if you’re unable to travel, your deposit is fully transferable and will be held for an unlimited time.

Prices are per person based upon two people sharing a twin/double cabin. Upgrades to a suite are subject to availability. If you are a solo traveller, the single supplement applies, giving you the privacy of your own cabin and hotel room.

As places are limited on our Galapagos Cruises, please contact us via email or telephone to check availability and to make a reservation. If we do not have availability on the M/S Anahi we can recommend an alternative cruise.

Handpicked

Iconic Experiences, Local Partners

On our Handpicked range we bring you the most iconic experiences in destinations where you’ll join travellers from other travel brands on your tour, safari or sailing holiday. Collaborating with our carefully handpicked portfolio of local partners, these holidays represent exceptional value and there’ll be plenty of cultural experiences shared with other like-minded travellers.

Group sizes and accommodation standards vary by destination where typical group size is 18 travellers and hotels, boats and safari lodges are of a 3-4 star standard.

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This tour is 100% guaranteed to depart with travellers.

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Galapagos Cruises

Choose from our range of Galapagos cruise itineraries starting and ending in Ecuador's charming capital, Quito, for better international flight connections. Sailing on board the M/C Anahi catamaran stop at a number of islands to explore volcanic sand beaches and secluded bays. With return flights between Quito and the Galapagos included, as well as the majority of your meals, you can sit back and relax safe in the knowledge you'll be well looked after.